Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust Act or the BLAST Act This bill revises the post-employment lobbying ban on former Members and elected officers of Congress. Specifically, it imposes a permanent ban on lobbying contacts by a former Senator (currently, a two-year ban), a former Member of the House of Representatives (currently, a one-year ban), or a former elected officer of the House or Senate (currently, a one-year ban).
Impact
If enacted, SB88 would substantially alter the landscape of lobbying in Washington, D.C., by closing the door on lobbying opportunities for former officials at any time after their tenure. This change is positioned as a critical step toward enforcing stricter ethical standards and enhancing accountability in Congress. Proponents argue that such regulations would mitigate the risk of former officials leveraging personal relationships formed during their tenure to unduly influence legislative processes.
Summary
SB88, known as the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust Act, aims to amend title 18, United States Code, by establishing a permanent ban on lobbying activities for former Members of Congress and elected officers after leaving office. Previously, post-employment lobbying bans were temporary, allowing former Senators and Members of the House to lobby after two and one year respectively. The proposed changes would eliminate this window entirely, intending to foster greater trust in government institutions and reduce potential conflicts of interest.
Contention
While supporters of SB88 contend that the bill is essential for preserving the integrity of governmental operations, there are voices of dissent highlighting the potential drawbacks of such an absolute prohibition. Critics argue that a lifetime ban might deter capable individuals from pursuing public office, thereby discouraging diverse professional backgrounds in government. They assert that carefully crafted restrictions could offer a balanced approach that preserves both ethical standards and the attractiveness of public service.
Notable_points
The Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust Act reflects a growing concern regarding the influence of money in politics and the revolving door between government and the lobbying industry. As discussions on this bill progress, its implications for both ethical governance and public trust remain at the forefront of legislative debates.
A concurrent resolution relating to the joint rules governing lobbyists of the Senate and House of Representatives for the Ninety-first General Assembly.(Formerly HSB 93.)
A concurrent resolution relating to the joint rules governing lobbyists of the Senate and House of Representatives for the Ninety-first General Assembly.(Formerly SSB 1021.)
Public employees and officers: ethics; former members of the legislature; prohibit from engaging in certain lobbying activities for a period of time. Amends sec. 6a of 1978 PA 472 (MCL 4.416a).
Inaction Has Consequences Act This bill withholds the salaries of Members of a chamber of Congress that has not passed each of the annual appropriations bills before the beginning of the fiscal year, beginning with FY2024. Salaries are released on the earlier of (1) the date on which the chamber of Congress passes the bills, or (2) the last day of the Congress.
Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.
Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.